Rap's illustrious history adds a new chapter...
06 · 06 · 2025
‘Tha Carter…’ transcends mere album releases; it embodies a lifestyle. Lil Wayne infuses every aspect of his essence into the project, making it a reflection of his rebellious and uninhibited creativity. Linked to his rise in the 2000s – with the landmark album ‘Tha Carter III’ debuting in 2008 – he can’t resist indulging that creative itch, with intermittent releases over the past decade(s). ‘Tha Carter VI’ marks the series' first fresh entry in seven years, offering a pleasingly diverse experience – traversing genres from heavy rock to opera and even nodding to his New Orleans roots, it stands as an unrestrained testament to Weezy’s enduring vigor.
If the earlier installments signified the CD era, then ‘Tha Carter VI’ firmly occupies the playlist realm. With 19 tracks and over an hour of music, Lil Wayne has chosen to saturate his fans, although listeners can still selectively enjoy the array. The concern isn’t about the quality, but rather the variety – ‘Tha Carter VI’ is among the most diverse he has ever crafted, making it unlikely that fans will love every track equally.
However, we believe it stands as one of the series’ most straightforwardly enjoyable offerings. And that’s notable. From the self-aware opener ‘Welcome To Tha Carter’ to the self-mythologizing ‘Written History,’ it feels like Wayne is paying tribute to his own legacy. The standout tracks hold their ground against his best work – ‘Hip-Hop’ serves as a tribute to the genre; ‘Bein Myself’ is stadium-worthy, while ‘Cotton Candy’ is a lively club anthem.
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There are also several surprises. Who else could have predicted a Bono guest appearance on a Weezy album? The U2 frontman delivers his most soulful performance on ‘The Days,’ with his vocals mirroring Kendrick’s remarkable interpolation. ‘Island Holiday’ fully samples a Weezer single, creating a joyful Millennial throwback, while ‘Loki’s Theme’ features a pure rap-rock blend reminiscent of 2001.
That said, Lil Wayne isn’t stuck in nostalgia. The guest roster – including 2Chainz, Big Sean, Kodak Black, and more – grounds him in the current scene, showcasing numerous innovative ideas not previously explored in his discography. Ultimately, every ‘Tha Carter…’ album is tailored for fans, and this one is no exception. So, how does it compare to the series' standout albums? It may not reach the heights of ‘III,’ but it likely surpasses ‘V’. His finest work in a decade? A living legend reaffirms his significance, as if any reminder was required.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
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‘Tha Carter…’ transcends being just a series of releases; it's a lifestyle. Lil Wayne pours every aspect of his essence into the project, turning it into a reflection.